The Barossa Mag Spring 2018 | Page 48

48 | THE BAROSSA MAG // WINE REVIEWS

SEPPELTSFIELD PARA CENTENARY 1918( 100ML)

In sheer concentration and complexity, Para Centenary is impossible to compare with anything else in the world, and futile to describe in mere mortal comparisons. 1918 represents a deeply spicy vintage of dry, savoury intrigue that holds for minutes on the palate. An experience everyone should have at least once.

seppeltsfield. com. au

ST HALLETT OLD BLOCK SHIRAZ 2014

With old vines taking the rain events of 2014 in their stride, Old Block represents a standout of the season. Barossa Valley( almost two-thirds) provides depth of blackberry and blueberry fruit, while Eden Valley lends lift and layers of exotic spice. The result is bright, long, and age worthy.

sthallett. com. au

TURKEY FLAT VINEYARDS MATARO 2017

Here’ s proof that Mataro is capable of impeccable ripeness and beautiful allure without booming alcohol or looming oak. Just eight months in French oak puncheons tones its black and red fruits eloquently. It’ s fragrant, medium-bodied, spicy, finely structured and downright delicious.

turkeyflat. com. au

TURKEY FLAT VINEYARDS BAROSSA VALLEY WHITE MARSANNE VIOGNIER ROUSSANNE 2017

Ravishing in all the textural and characterful complexity of whole bunch pressing, extended skin contact and partial new oak maturation, this is a blend that upholds the character of its three varieties with magnificent precision. To achieve all this with crunch, zest, vibrancy and persistence takes wizardry indeed. The result is one of the best warm climate white blends going.

turkeyflat. com. au

ST HALLETT FAITH SHIRAZ 2016

A beautifully affordable Barossa Shiraz and always a reliable quaffer. Tangy dark berry fruits are well underlined by bright acidity and fine, well crafted tannins. A credit to Toby Barlow and his team’ s ability not only to blend seamlessly but to manage tannins eloquently, even in sizeable production volume.

sthallett. com. au

ROCKFORD EDEN VALLEY RIESLING 2015

The assemblage of three key Eden Valley vineyards, this three-year-old Riesling presents a great contrast between the tension of cool, high acidity, the exotic lift of guava and mandarin and the subtle honey nuances of bottle maturity. Lees age in tank has heightened its texture.

rockfordwines. com. au

WHISTLER GET IN MY BELLY BAROSSA VALLEY GRENACHE 2017

Playing tactically into the crucial food-matching void between Rosé and dry reds, this perky little Grenache has been delicately tuned for fragrance, freshness, tang and deliciousness. Just a touch of whole bunch( 7 %), judicious time on skins and restrained oak for texture only( old puncheons for six months) makes for a crunchy style of pretty strawberry and raspberry fruit. Clever new wave Barossa Grenache.

whistlerwines. com. au

WHISTLER FIND YOUR ROOTS BAROSSA VALLEY MATARO 2017

The new generation has stepped up at Whistler and the result is a range of fresh, juicy reds that champion fragrance and liveliness before alcohol, oak and impact. Bring it on! Wild ferment, foot stomping, a touch of whole bunch and old oak maturation are all a part of the recipe, but the focus remains resolutely on crunchy young fruit and fragrant allure.

whistlerwines. com. au

TORBRECK WOODCUTTER’ S ROUSSANNE VIOGNIER MARSANNE 2017

It’ s great to see a Barossa floor white from Rhône varieties achieving such freshness and vibrancy. Stone fruits and spice with lemon and mandarin notes carry with bright acidity and finely structured persistence. It’ s varietal and focused, bright and impressive.

torbreck. com

TORBRECK BAROSSA VALLEY HARRIS GRENACHE 2016

From bush vines in the Harris vineyard in Marananga, this is a Grenache that unites rose hip and dried herb aromas with ripe mulberry fruit, culminating in a warm and bright finish of finely textured tannin structure. Classic Barossa Grenache of fruity approachability and food-matching dexterity.

torbreck. com

WOODS CRAMPTON SINGLE VINEYARD EDEN VALLEY RIESLING 2017

A spicy and full Eden Valley Riesling that contrasts the concentration of a late season with the tension of cool nights. It’ s characterful and intense, layered with kaffir lime, granny smith apple and layers of spice. Fleshiness is balanced by some fine phenolic grip on the finish.

fourthwavewine. com. au

ROCKFORD FRUGAL FARMER 2016

Lift, freshness and spice are the aim here, achieved by picking Grenache and Mataro early and fermenting them on ex-Rosé Alicante skins. The result is a pretty, fresh and lively lunchtime red of lifted rose petal aromatics and white pepper, underlined by tangy morello cherry fruit and finely textured tannins. It’ s bright, lively and food-versatile.

rockfordwines. com. au